Among the questions I get asked the most, 'How are aged cigars different than non-aged ones?' is number three, right behind, 'Y'all got Cubans?' and 'Can I have some free samples?'. Today, Joya de Nicaragua lends us a hand in answering this age old question, with the release of Antano Gran Reserva. Modeled after their flagship Antano line, Gran Reserva is a similar blend, with the addition of aged tobaccos to provide a more 'mature' experience. 
Manufactured at Joya de Nicaragua's operation in Esteli, Nicaragua, Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva is a Nicaraguan puro of the highest caliber. To set this one apart from its peers, Juan Martinez (Executive President of JdN), called for the addition of five-year-aged filler leaves to the mix and applied a rich and oily Corojo wrapper on top. The result is markedly different from the regular Antano: what was once a powerful, unabashed beast has been tamed, offering a much smoother ride. There's still hits of black pepper up front, but they're quickly joined by natural, sugary sweetness, nutty notes, and dry chocolate. 
Good News! Joya De Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva has been awarded as the #16 best cigar of 2018 and earned an awesome 93-point rating, noting: "this attractive cigar has a pleasantly toasty core that's elevated by hints of saffron, hickory wood and chocolate. The finish is sweet and woody."